Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a significant loss of bone density and strength that
affects millions of women and men in the United States. The only way to
tell if you have osteoporosis is by measuring the bone mass through a
specialized bone density test.

Bones have a thick outer wall that is very dense and strong. Inside
normal bone is a spongy, honeycomb-like structure. In people with
osteoporosis, the holes of the honeycomb are greatly enlarged, making
the bone less dense. Not only does osteoporosis gradually weaken bones,
making them prone to fractures, but the associated bone loss can be
irreversible.

Treatment for Osteoporosis

The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention. Adequate calcium
consumption and weight bearing exercise by adolescents and young adult
women can increase bone mass, which can reduce bone loss and lower risk
of fractures in later years.

Osteoporosis Screening

A specialized test measures the bone density in various sites of the
body. Bone density testing is a simple, painless, non-invasive
procedure, using DEXA bone densitometry. The test uses a very small
amount of radiation (less than one-tenth of a chest X-ray) to scan the
spine, hip and sometimes forearm. The test will measure the bone mass
and compare that number with a reference population whose age, sex and
racial background are similar to yours. Periodic measurements may be
useful in monitoring bone density.

During your visit to The Women's Center, a technologist will provide you with additional information about osteoporosis.